Heian Nidan – Meaning, Steps & Bunkai

Meaning and Origin

The kata Heian Nidan (平安初段) belongs to the Heian series of Shotokan Karate. Its name—often rendered as “peaceful mind II”—alludes to mastering inner tension before combat.

In Okinawan-rooted styles such as Shitō-ryū, this kata is regarded as the first in the series, ahead of Heian Shodan. Its direct link to advanced practice is the kata Kankū Dai.

Heian Nidan consists of 26 movements performed in about 42 seconds.

Steps and Bunkai

Heian Nidan, designed with Karate Notes
  1. Age Uke / Mae Yoko Kamae, Haiwan Yoko Uke / Uchi Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (left). Double side-plus-high block to the left; arms finish as a rectangle when viewed head-on. In bunkai this starts the first application block (techniques 1–3).
  2. Kentsui Uchi, Nagashi Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (left). Grab and strike; ends with elbows pressed together, arms crossed.
  3. Yoko Tsuki – Kokutsu-dachi (left). Lateral punch symbolising the “break” after the grab.
  4. Age Uke / Mae Yoko Kamae, Haiwan Yoko Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (right). Mirror of technique 1.
  5. Kentsui Uchi, Nagashi Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (right).
  6. Yoko Tsuki – Kokutsu-dachi (left).
  7. Half step right, backward Uraken Uchi – Yoko Geri Keage (right). Rising side-kick (groin → chest) plus circular back-fist to the face that springs back.
  8. Forward, Shuto Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (left). Open-hand knife-edge block.
  9. Shuto Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (right).
  10. Shuto Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (left).
  11. KIAI, Osae Uke, Nukite – Zenkutsu-dachi (right). Deflect the attacker’s hand, spear-hand to the neck.
  12. Turn to rear, Shuto Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (left).
  13. Shuto Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (right).
  14. Turn to front, Shuto Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (right).
  15. Shuto Uke – Kokutsu-dachi (left).
  16. Forward, Uchi Uke – Moto/Zenkutsu-dachi (right). Opposite hand and leg; short stance. (In bunkai, techniques 16–18 may overlap.)
  17. Uchi Uke – Mae Geri (right). Advance with front kick.
  18. Drop, Gyaku Tsuki – Zenkutsu-dachi (left). Counter-punch.
  19. Forward, Uchi Uke – Moto/Zenkutsu-dachi (right).
  20. Uchi Uke – Mae Geri (right).
  21. Drop, Gyaku Tsuki – Zenkutsu-dachi (left).
  22. Morote Uke – Zenkutsu-dachi (right). Double block.
  23. Turn to rear, Gedan Barai – Zenkutsu-dachi (left). Low block.
  24. Age Uke – Zenkutsu-dachi (right). High block; in bunkai can pair offensively with technique 23.
  25. Turn forward, Age Uke – Zenkutsu-dachi (right).
  26. KIAI, Age Uke – Zenkutsu-dachi (left).

Execution Tips

Heian Nidan introduces gyaku hanmi: in techniques 16 and 19 the torso faces opposite the technique’s direction. Achieve this through hip rotation, not by moving the lead foot.

Focus on the double techniques and perform them symmetrically on both sides to master the kata.

Conclusion

Heian Nidan contains several intricate elements that require consistent practice for full proficiency.

References

  • Gichin Funakoshi, Karate-Do Kyohan
  • Masatoshi Nakayama, Best Karate Vol. 5
  • Rob Redmond, Kata, the folk dances of Shotokan
  • Gennosuke Higaki, Hidden Karate